NSW Government response to Greiner Inquiry welcomed

The retirement living industry today welcomed the NSW Government’s response to Kathryn Greiner’s inquiry into the NSW retirement village sector as an important step to provide certainty and clarity to both the retirement village sector and residents.

The report from the 10-month inquiry makes key recommendations on changes to the operation of the industry including a mandatory code of conduct, improved dispute resolution, and measures to improve transparency, which were also key priorities outlined in the industry's 8-Point Plan released in August last year.

Ben Myers, Executive Director – Retirement Living at the Property Council, peak body for the retirement living sector, said the recommendations build on the industry's 8-Point Plan, especially the commitment the industry has made to developing a Code of Conduct, which has recently been released for public comment.

“Kathryn Greiner has been open and honest in her engagement with the sector throughout this process and the Greiner Report provides a good overview of the challenges for the industry and retirement village residents as well as potential solutions,” Mr Myers said.

"The Greiner Report has identified a large number of positive experiences of residents, managers and operators, many of whom requested only minor changes to the way the industry operates and are otherwise satisfied with their retirement village experience.

“The Government’s response is measured and has been well informed by both the community and the industry; we are committed to working with the Government on any reforms that make the retirement village sector more accessible for future residents and provide clarity for current residents.

“The industry is strongly committed to high standards and has been working hard to improve the experience of residents and is already well advanced in developing a Code of Conduct, which will help ensure this recommendation from the Greiner Report can be implemented very quickly."

Cheryl Thomas, NSW Deputy Executive Director at the Property Council, said the Greiner Report and recommendations will be important to inform the significant body of work being carried out by the sector in NSW and will support current and future reforms

“The Property Council has been working closely with Ms Greiner throughout the inquiry; We want the best possible outcome for both industry and residents and with this report and the Government’s response, we can achieve this outcome,” Ms Thomas said.

“Our State’s ageing population means we must be proactive in improving the systems that can facilitate the growing number of older members of the community to enjoy the benefits of living in a retirement village with a sense of confidence.

“We look forward to working with the Minister Kean and the NSW Government further on key aspects of the Greiner Report.”